Blood sugar: basics

In short: Blood sugar level shows how much glucose is in the blood and is mainly regulated by the hormones insulin and glucagon. Large fluctuations can be harmful to health over time.

In more detail: Carbohydrates from food are converted into glucose, which serves as an energy source for cells and is released into the blood.

In detail

• Insulin: Lowers blood sugar by signalling cells to absorb glucose from the blood.

• Glucagon: Raises blood sugar by releasing stored glucose from the liver.

• Glycaemic index: Foods with a high glycaemic index cause blood sugar to rise faster and more sharply.

• Blood sugar spikes: Frequent sharp fluctuations can worsen cells’ insulin sensitivity over the years.

• Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes arises from a lack of insulin production, type 2 diabetes usually from reduced insulin action.

• Measurement methods: Blood glucose meters and continuous glucose sensors provide different levels of detail.

• Everyday relevance: Regular, balanced meals help avoid sharp blood sugar swings and cravings (herz-und-kreislauf, hormone-und-stoffwechsel).

• Note: Not a substitute for medical advice.